Ondo 2024: Aiyedatiwa declares guber ambition

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State on Tuesday, formally declared his intention to vie for the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in April 24 primary.

Governor Aiyedatiwa made the declaration during a meeting with stakeholders of the APC drawn from the 18 local government areas of the State at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Arcade Ground in Akure.

The Governor had earlier visited the State Secretariat of APC in Akure where he also made his intention known to the State Working Committee of the party led by the State Chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin.

He said: “Leaders and members of our great party, the All Progressives Congress(APC), it is with regard that I come before you today to humbly and officially express my interest and intention to seek the nomination of our great party to contest for the office of Governor of Ondo State.

“I offer myself, in difference to your popular yearnings and upon wide consultations, not just to run the race, but to be the candidate of our great party in the 2024 gubernatorial election.

“As I begin today this journey to secure, next month, our party’s ticket for the November Governorship Election, I ask you to support me and let us build an APC that respects and promotes members, an APC that cares. Support me to build an Ondo State that works.”

Addressing party faithful and stakeholders, Governor Aiyedatiwa said the occasion was another milestone in the democratic journey of the State, emphasizing the importance of consolidating governance and celebrating the vibrancy of democracy under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu and the APC.

Acknowledging the unwavering support of party members, the Governor expressed gratitude for their commitment to the progress of Ondo State.

Recounting the achievements of his administration, Governor Aiyedatiwa highlighted the strides made in infrastructure, education, healthcare, industrialization, security, and workers welfare, promising to build on the foundation already laid.

He paid tribute to the late former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, whose vision and partnership laid the foundation for the state’s development.

“He chose me as the deputy governorship candidate to contest the 2020 governorship election, and we won. We won because he was a good man, loved and respected by the people. His yes was his yes, his no was his no. He did not pretend nor played to the gallery. He did not like hypocrisy, sycophancy and backbiting.

“He stood for merit and candour. He loved the State and its people. He picked me as Deputy Governor not just because he loved me but because he had a vision for the young to grow. He wanted integrity, humility, confidence and loyalty to be the character of government. He made no pretence of his plan and desire for succession.

“He was deliberate and prophetic. He said it during our inauguration and repeatedly that “Lucky will succeed me. Lucky will carry on the work after me”. At not one, not two nor three sessions of the Cabinet meetings had he pronounced Lucky as his desired choice to carry the flag after him.

“He was a man of vision. We will not let him down. We will not waiver. We will not falter. We will succeed. Support me to carry on the work. Work with me to bring the desired goal”, the Governor said.

In his welcome address, the Secretary to the Government, Tayo Oluwatuyi, commended the Governor for his determination to run in the November 2024 Gubernatorial election, expressing confidence that the people of the State would wholeheartedly support him.

In his goodwill message , Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly, said: “On behalf of the State House of Assembly, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to you as you declare your intention to contest the upcoming gubernatorial election.

“Your dedication and commitment to serving the people of our state are commendable, and we are confident that your leadership will continue to bring progress and prosperity to Ondo State.”